I'm a big fan of the guy ESPN.com got to replace Melrose, and I love being able to read an NHL blog without paying for "all of the fantastic premium insider features". But seriously, what is it with these people and Gaborik coming here?

I know he just said it was what he would do, but it's starting to get annoying. Gaborik is not coming here. The Penguins are not going to give up their young assets to do it. They are pushed against the cap. Quit bringing it up, Pierre. The end.

He didn't say it will happen. He simply said the first team Minny's GM should contact is the Penguins, as they are thin at wing and have two world class centers. It makes sense to explore. Its' not rumor mongering. It's not stupidity. It's common sense.

And what happens when Whitney (and later Gonchar) return, along with their contracts after you've taken on Gaborik's salary? All of the sudden you HAVE to move salary and all the other GMs know it. Doesn't work.

And the Pens can't afford to trade anyone for a rental again. The only way a Gaborik deal even gets discussed is if the Pens get permission to talk extension with him first. Minnesota would likely be fine with that, as it would increase their return.

WWGRD wrote:In the comments section on that page, someone said that Staal, Goligoski, and a pick (2nd round?) could get Gaborik here.

Yes or no?

I'd think more would be coming back our way (prospect and/or pick), plus Gaborik would have to sign an extension first. That is FAR too much for a possible rental. Hossa didn't cost nearly that much as far as player caliber.

DelPen wrote:Even if we get the extension, it would be Kennedy, Gologoski and a 1st and more.

i think Staal would have to be apart of it just because of the cap for next season - i dont see how we can have Gaborik at 7+ and staal at maybe 4i know its all speculation at this point but if Satan doesnt work out i can see them making the move -Sid with a great winger is better than having another center(Staal) IMO

scals37 wrote:i just think we need to see satan and fedo for a few months... sid just finds ways to work well with anyone..

see: hilbert, andyarmstrong, colby

Exactly. This is what I have been trying to say. Does Sid actually need a high-scoring winger on his side? No, he doesn't. He can do just fine with Satan and Feds. Just give it some time and hope for the best. That being said, I think both Sid and Geno will have their coming out parties tonight against the Flyers.

The more you read these rumors and posts, the more I realize how much losing Hossa kills the dynamic of this team...They could have had Crosby/Hossa together for 7 years! that is annual contender...Really hurts. I don't blame the pens obviously, but seeing Satan/Fedotenko makes you wish...

I guess I could have posted this in the Hossa thread, but I didn't want to bump that up = )

scals37 wrote:i just think we need to see satan and fedo for a few months... sid just finds ways to work well with anyone..

see: hilbert, andyarmstrong, colby

Exactly. This is what I have been trying to say. Does Sid actually need a high-scoring winger on his side? No, he doesn't. He can do just fine with Satan and Feds. Just give it some time and hope for the best. That being said, I think both Sid and Geno will have their coming out parties tonight against the Flyers.

you're right, he doesn't need a lot of talent on his wings to produce. BUT...

he needs an effective power play to produce. he gets an inordinate amount of points from the power play. he's been productive at even strength, but not the "plug anyone in and he'll be fine" player he's made out to be. i think satan and Player X will suffice once everyone gets into a groove, but satan is pretty much the minimum level of player i'd want in that spot. i don't know what the options are for next year; we're in a unique position of having 2 centers this expensive. it's all uncharted waters, so i can't even guess at what's best.